Cities / Johannesburg / Jacaranda International School
Jacaranda International School
A small family-run school operating since 1997 in Centurion (Pretoria area, not central Johannesburg), running the Pearson Edexcel International curriculum from early childhood through matric.
In brief
A small family-run school operating since 1997 in Centurion (Pretoria area, not central Johannesburg), running the Pearson Edexcel International curriculum from early childhood through matric.
Jacaranda sits at 57 Skimmer Street, The Reeds, Centurion, on the Pretoria side of the Johannesburg-Pretoria axis. The curriculum is the Pearson Edexcel International route, framed as British, with content that overlaps the South African CAPS spec but is enriched in mathematics, sciences, and English. Naomi Eloff leads the school. Fee data is not publicly disclosed.
Strengths are the small class sizes, the family-run culture, and the personalised attention that follows from both. Staff warmth and tracking of individual progress draw positive parent feedback. A school of this size will not match the sports facilities, peer breadth, or external recognition of larger Centurion or Pretoria independents. Best fit for families wanting a close-knit British-track school in the Centurion belt.
Reviews
- Long-running family-run school in Centurion, founded 1997, with a separate Edenglen campus operating as Jacaranda Academy.
- Parents describe teachers as warm and approachable, with children gaining confidence and enjoying school. Recommendation rates on the school's own social pages are very high but the pool is small.
- One parent reported racism and bullying directed at their daughter and was unhappy with the school's response. Single review, but a real factor given the absence of a wider independent review pool.
- No substantive independent parent, expat, or staff commentary exists in the public domain. Most coverage sits on the school's own channels or in directory listings.
Positives
- Teacher warmth and child happiness. Parents on social channels credit teachers with making children feel cared for and confident.
- Family-run, small-school feel. Parents describe a tight community and a long-standing family ethos.
Considerations
- Racism and bullying complaint. One parent reported racism toward their child and dissatisfaction with how the school handled it.
- Signal depth. Discussion sits mostly on the school's own social pages, with little independent forum activity.
Leadership
Naomi Eloff
Naomi Eloff is a visionary leader who transformed a simple idea into a thriving haven for learning, growth, and limitless opportunities. Her deep passion for education inspired her to expand the school, creating a place where dreams take root and flourish.